Modern Tiânn House by HAO Design: Harmonizing Tradition with Contemporary Family Living in Taiwan

Located in Taiwan, the Modern Tiânn House by HAO Design reinterprets traditional co-living spaces for modern family lifestyles. Covering 250 m², this 2021 project transforms the historical Sanheyuan-inspired courtyard, or tiânn, into a contemporary hub for multigenerational living while respecting privacy and independence. In today’s evolving family structures, many households favor one- or two-generation co-living arrangements, reflecting the desire of elders for personal spaces while staying close to their children. HAO Design responded to this shift by placing common areas on the first floor, private bedrooms on the second, and a rooftop patio with an ancestor shrine on the third, blending functionality with cultural continuity.

The house’s narrow, elongated layout presented challenges in daylight penetration. To overcome this, the design centers on the green courtyard, allowing natural light and greenery to flow into the interior spaces. Inspired by the traditional tiânn: a place for grain drying, floral arrangements, and family interaction, the courtyard here is enclosed for family privacy, flanked by wings reminiscent of the protecting dragons (hùlóng) of classic Sanheyuan architecture. Strategic window placement, including floor-to-ceiling windows and lower-level tatami room windows, ensures sunlight reaches deep into the building while offering serene garden views.

Upon entering, a tree in the courtyard is visible through an elevated window, creating a ritualistic welcome. The open corner kitchen provides panoramic views of the garden, blending indoor and outdoor experiences. The tatami guest room captures filtered light, creating a calm, reflective environment. The stairway voids connect the master bedroom and children’s rooms, while also allowing the inner courtyard’s tree to be admired from three levels, including the master bathroom, generating a romantic, natural ambiance.

Externally, the facade combines raw concrete-effect plaster with anodized metal corrugated sheets, creating a visually striking contrast between rugged textures and metallic elegance. Faux wood grain is subtly seared onto the concrete, while rust-patterned stair tiles and smudged plaster walls offer textural richness. Brightly colored kiln-glazed tiles and faux aged wood accents introduce vibrant touches, complementing the gray and metallic palette. Interior furniture emphasizes metal, wood, and leather harmonies, balancing warmth and cool sophistication. Custom metal partitions serve multifunctional purposes, integrating storage, media, and decorative elements. Recycled teak dining tables and mottled wood tiles further enhance the blend of sustainable materials with modern aesthetic sensibilities.

The Modern Tiânn House successfully merges cultural heritage, natural integration, and contemporary living, offering a unique reinterpretation of Taiwan’s residential architecture. Every detail, from courtyard layout to facade materiality, reflects a thoughtful balance between tradition and modern comfort, creating a family home that resonates with both heritage and the needs of modern lifestyles.

All photographs are works of  Hey!Cheese